Committee: Community Resources
Cost: $500,000
Location: Ongoing or upcoming renovation of a community park.
Short Description: Improve park accessibility and hygiene with a durable, eco-friendly, public restroom. Previously PB funded Portland Loos are being designed for Flagg Street, and Cambridge Common. This PB proposal would fund an additional location.
Long Description: This proposal aims to fund the building of a sixth stand-alone public restroom in Cambridge. Modeled after the “Portland Loo” of Portland, Oregon, the public toilet is a simple, sturdy, graffiti-resistant, flush toilet kiosk, located on the sidewalk. It is designed with open grating that preserves privacy while discouraging vandalism, crime or “camping out” in the space. The coating on the steel wall panels makes it simple to clean with a hose, and all plumbing and building components are common and easy to replace or upgrade. Current Portland Loos such as in Harvard and Central Squares see a lot of use from Cambridge residents and visitors. This proposal would provide the funds for a sixth Portland Loo location, increasing the availability of publicly accessible restrooms for residents and visitors.
The Portland Loo in Harvard Square.